Football Game Preview: The First Academy Royals vs. Lakeland Dreadnaughts + Official Tickets

The First Academy Royals are taking a road trip to take on the Lakeland Dreadnaughts at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. The First Academy has a tough task ahead: they'll enter the contest with three straight losses, while Lakeland will come in with seven straight wins.

On Friday, The First Academy lost to Hun at home by a 31-14 margin. While losing is never fun, the Royals can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' football rankings in their respective home states (they are ranked 26th in Florida, while the Raiders are ranked fourth in New Jersey).

The First Academy's defeat came about despite a quality game from Demetrice McCray, who rushed for 81 yards and one touchdown, and also picked up 30 receiving yards.

Meanwhile, you're bound to get a positive result if you outscore your opponent every quarter and that's exactly how it played out for Lakeland on Thursday. Given that consistent dominance, it should come as no surprise that they blew Kathleen out of the water with a 44-6 final score. Considering the Dreadnaughts have won six matchups by more than 26 points this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.

The First Academy better keep an eye on Ahnarri Cooper. He was instrumental in Lakeland's win, rushing for 95 yards and a pair of TDs. Cooper's longest rush was for an incredible 85 yards.

Lakeland's victory bumped their record up to 8-1. As for The First Academy, they now have a losing record of 4-5.